Ten Themes of Biology

Adaptation and Evolution

Changes in genes in each generation lead to inherited traits that help an organism survive and reproduce

Cellular Basis of Life

Organisms are made of cells and most multicellular organisms have cells that are specialized for different functions

Regulation

Organisms have the ability to regulate their internal conditions, for example body temperature

Interaction with the Environment

As part of and ecosystem, each organism interacts continuously with its environment

Form and Funtction

How something works is related to its structure - "form fits function." An example would be a bird's wing which has hollow bones and feathers

Biology and Society

Humans apply biology in many ways - medical procedures, stem cell research, and environmental issues are some examples

Scientific Inquiry

Involved asking questions about nature and biology then using observations and experiments to answer those questions

Energy and Life

Life requires organisms to preform work which depends on energy. Energy is needed for moving, growing, and reproducing

Biological Systems

Shows a combination of parts can preform a more complex organization called a system - bone + muscle + nerves -> hand

Reproduction and Inheritance

The ability of organisms to reproduce their own kind, or make offspring